Functionalization of benzothiadiazole in magnesium-based metal-organic framework for C2H2/CO2 separation.

The separation of acetylene (C2H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) is quite challenging due to their similar physical properties. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising porous adsorbents for C2H2/CO2 separation, and the discovery of new frameworks is vital to unlocking their full potential. Herein, we synthesize a magnesium (Mg)-based MOF, namely UPC-116, with 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole-4,7-dicarboxylic acid (H2BTDC) as ligand. The diversified coordination modes of H2BTDC and Mg2+ afford UPC-116 with one-dimensional square channels of 9 Å. Static adsorption tests and theoretical calculations collaboratively evidence the promising prospect of UPC-116 for efficient C2H2/CO2 separation.